Grumman A-6 Intruder

The all-weather attack aircraft built for carrier-based strike missions.

Overview

Grumman United States ICAO: A6 1962–1992 $43 million (1998)

The Grumman A-6 Intruder was introduced in the 1960s as a carrier-based attack aircraft. Designed for all-weather, low-level strike missions, it carried advanced navigation systems. The aircraft served the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for decades.

Live Fleet Activity (A6)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P8B
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 9,300 lbf · 41 kN
Avionics
"Digital Integrated Attack Navigation Equipment (DIANE)" system
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
54 ft 9 in  ·  16.69 m
Tail height
15 ft 7 in  ·  4.75 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 3 in  ·  1.90 m
Wing span
53 ft 2 in  ·  16.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
60,500 lb  ·  27,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
19,500 lb  ·  8,850 kg
Fuel capacity
2,400 gal · 9,000 L · 7,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
563 kt  ·  648 mph  ·  1,043 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
98 kt  ·  113 mph  ·  181 km/h
Range
2,819 nm  ·  3,240 mi  ·  5,220 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
42,000 ft  ·  12,800 m
Rate of climb
7,620 ft/min  ·  39 m/s
Takeoff distance
4,550 ft  ·  1,380 m
Landing distance
2,550 ft  ·  770 m
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Grumman A-6 Intruder

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Operational Context

Grumman A-6 Intruder — carrier-based attack aircraft

The A-6 first flew in 1960 and entered service in 1963. It featured a high-mounted wing and side-by-side cockpit arrangement for pilot and bombardier. The aircraft was optimized for precision strike in adverse weather conditions.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojet engines producing approximately 9,300 pounds of thrust (41 kN) each, the A-6 cruised at around 500 knots (926 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 60,000 pounds (27,216 kg). The aircraft carried a substantial external weapons load.

The A-6 saw extensive service in Vietnam and later conflicts. It remained a key component of carrier strike groups until retirement in the 1990s. The Intruder is regarded as one of the Navy’s most capable attack aircraft of its era.

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